​November 12​, 2024

Top News

Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 Public Comment Period

On November 8, DHCS opened the public comment period for Behavioral Health Transformation Policy Manual Module 1 and will accept input through December 2, 2024. The final Policy Manual, set for release in early 2025, will guide counties in implementing Behavioral Health Transformation, California's initiative to improve mental health and substance use disorder services statewide, enhancing access and support for all Californians.

The Policy Manual will be released in parts, called “modules," to support timely access to materials and the ability to adapt the Policy Manual based on feedback. Each module will focus on specific aspects of the overall policy. This first module focuses on the County Integrated Plan, Funding Allowances and Transfer Requests, and Housing Interventions.

The first draft module of the Policy Manual is being released on a software solution, paving the way for future modules. As a result, all policies related to Behavioral Health Transformation will be version-controlled, maintained online, and publicly available, supporting easy navigation, review, and feedback.

We invite you to review Policy Manual Module 1 and provide your input here. Your feedback is crucial to shaping the future of behavioral health services and supports in California. To learn how to provide feedback with the Policy Manual tool, please watch this instructional training video. For specific public comment-related inquiries, please email BHTPolicyFeedback@dhcs.ca.gov.

New Altadena Facility Brings Vital Behavioral Health Care Services to Los Angeles County

On November 4, DHCS and the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol & Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) expanded substance use disorder residential treatment services at the Altadena Project in Los Angeles County to treat substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health needs. The facility's primary focus is to serve LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or gender expansive, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit) individuals, with an emphasis on providing inclusive, affirming care for transgender and gender non-conforming people, especially people with low incomes, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and with justice system involvement. The project will add 18 residential treatment beds and provide vital support for 72 adults each year.

DHCS awarded L.A. CADA Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) funds as part of California's ongoing commitment to expand behavioral health services for all Californians. With the passage of Proposition 1, even more behavioral health treatment facilities will be funded and built in 2025 and 2026.

Program Updates

Telehealth: Interactive Utilization Dashboard

On November 8, as part of an ongoing initiative to track and better understand the utilization of various telehealth modalities under the Medi-Cal program, DHCS launched Phase II of a public-facing, interactive Telehealth Data Dashboard, which aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for evaluating telehealth policy using a data-driven approach that can be used to inform future policy development. Phase II includes eight utilization data measure sets related to medical services provided via telehealth modalities. Specifically, Phase II expands the dashboard to include additional data sets focused on Specialty Mental Health Services, Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System, and dental services. DHCS will update the dashboard annually with the most current available utilization data and explore opportunities for additional enhancements and refinements.

For more information, please visit the DHCS Telehealth Homepage. For questions about the dashboard, please email Medi-Cal_Telehealth@dhcs.ca.gov.

Medi-Cal Rx

On October 31, an alert, 90-Day Countdown: Pediatric Integration of Members 21 Years of Age and Younger, was sent to inform pharmacy providers and prescribers that Medi-Cal Rx will reinstate claim edits and prior authorization (PA) requirements for members 21 years of age and younger on January 31, 2025. DHCS has initiated meetings with associations and stakeholder groups to introduce the Medi-Cal Rx initiative referred to as the Pediatric Utilization Management (UM) Integration Program. As part of this effort, Medi-Cal Rx will implement the California Children's Services (CCS) Panel Authority policy in which CCS panel providers will have prescribing authority for a list of medications and supplies under a set of UM policies selected for this authority.

Join Our Team

DHCS is hiring for its auditing, health policy, information technology, and other teams. For more information, please visit the CalCareers website.

Upcoming Stakeholder Meetings and Webinars

Coverage Ambassador Webinar

On November 14, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. PST, DHCS will virtually host the Coverage Ambassador webinar (advance registration required). DHCS will discuss Medi-Cal Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program benefits and dyadic services so Coverage Ambassadors can strengthen their engagement with Medi-Cal members, equip them to share information about benefits and services, and guide them on how to access resources. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup Meeting

On November 14, from 12 to 2 p.m. PST, DHCS will virtually host the CalAIM Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) and Duals Integration Workgroup meeting (advance registration required). The workgroup is a stakeholder collaboration hub for CalAIM MLTSS and integrated care for dual eligible members. It allows stakeholders to provide feedback and share information about policy, operations, and strategy for upcoming changes to Medi-Cal and Medicare.

The meeting's agenda includes updates on Medicare enrollment data for dual eligible members and the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) dashboard, D-SNP State Medicaid Agency Contract and Policy Guide, Default Enrollment Pilot, Medicare Special Enrollment Period changes for 2025, Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports data, and a Community Supports spotlight presentation on medically tailored meals.

More information, transcripts, and video recordings of previous workgroup meetings are posted on the CalAIM MLTSS and Duals Integration Workgroup webpage. For questions or comments, please email DHCS at info@calduals.org.

Doula Implementation Stakeholder Workgroup Meeting

On November 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST, DHCS will host the Doula Implementation Stakeholder Workgroup meeting as required by Senate Bill 65 (Chapter 449, Statutes of 2021), which added section 14132.24 to the Welfare and Institutions Code. For more information about the workgroup, including how to register for the meeting, please visit the Doula Implementation Stakeholder Workgroup webpage.

DHCS Harm Reduction Summits

Registration is currently open for the DHCS Harm Reduction Summit in San Mateo County on November 19. Through these convenings, DHCS aims to collaborate with communities across the state to promote harm reduction within California's substance use disorder treatment system and create low-barrier, patient-centered care. DHCS encourages substance use disorder treatment providers and staff (including social workers, peers, front desk staff, case managers, nurses, physicians, and all staff in substance use disorder treatment settings) to attend and learn about best practices for incorporating the tenets of harm reduction into substance use disorder treatment. Additional summits will be held in Fresno County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County in winter 2025. Register on the event website.

Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program Webinar

On December 3, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PST, DHCS will host a webinar to share guidance with families and community partners about applying for hearing aid coverage and maximizing Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program benefits once enrolled. For more information and to pre-register, please visit the Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program webpage.